The Measure of Darkness

“A deft exploration of the heart and mind that offers the pathos of a Sam Shepard play nested within the unreliable storytelling of Christopher Nolan’s Memento.” —Kirkus Reviews

Martin, an acclaimed architect, emerges from a coma after a roadside accident to find hiParagraphe Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction WinnerNational Reading Group Month “Great Group Reads” selection

“A deft exploration of the heart and mind that offers the pathos of a Sam Shepard play nested within the unreliable storytelling of Christopher Nolan’s Memento.” —Kirkus Reviews

Martin, an acclaimed architect, emerges from a coma after a roadside accident to find his world transformed: not only has the commission of a lifetime been taken from him, but his injury has left him with neglect syndrome, a loss of spatial awareness that has rendered him unfit to practice and unable to recognize the extent of his illness. Despite support from his formerly estranged brother and two grown daughters, his paranoia builds, alienating those closest to him. His only solace is found in the parallels he draws between himself and gifted Soviet-era architect Konstantin Melnikov, who survived Stalin’s disfavor by retreating into obscurity. As Martin retraces Melnikov’s life and his own fateful decisions, he becomes increasingly unsettled, until the discovery of the harrowing truth about the night of his accident hurtles him toward a deadly confrontation.

A gripping journey into the depths of a fractured mind, The Measure of Darkness is ultimately a resonant tale of resilience and healing.

Liam Durcan is the author of García’s Heart, winner of the Arthur Ellis Best First Novel Award. He lives in Montreal, Quebec, where he works as a neurologist at McGill University....more

Community Reviews

The Measure of Darkness by Liam Durcan is the story of Martin Fallon, an architect who comes out of a coma to find that he has had a brain injury causing "neglect syndrome"-the loss of spatial awareness. As Martin refuses to accept his limitations, he careens into conflict with all those around him, including his former partners, his daughters, and his formerly estranged brother. Brendan Fallon has come out to take care of his brother, despite the passage of many years of no contact. When they wThe Measure of Darkness by Liam Durcan is the story of Martin Fallon, an architect who comes out of a coma to find that he has had a brain injury causing "neglect syndrome"-the loss of spatial awareness. As Martin refuses to accept his limitations, he careens into conflict with all those around him, including his former partners, his daughters, and his formerly estranged brother. Brendan Fallon has come out to take care of his brother, despite the passage of many years of no contact. When they were young, growing up in Detroit, Brendan served in Vietnam, while Martin, radicalized by the Detroit riots and the 1960s, ran away to Canada.

This is also the story of Brendan, who struggles to understand his relationship with this semi-stranger yet still familiar man who looks like him but who, at least Brendan hopes, is nothing like himMartin's ambition (before the accident) caused him to push away the people who loved him. His daughter Norah debates which is more important: ambition or talent. In her view, talent is something many people have but don't use. And that, she feels, is no loss. She doesn't, however, understand why ambition is considered so important. And that makes sense given how her father has sacrificed everything, including his relationship with her, to his ambition.

After the accident, Martin is forced to consider what his value is without his ambition. And in this struggle, he becomes increasingly paranoid that someone has stolen his life, someone is after him.

I liked the way the author used the larger political dimension to illuminate and contextualize Martin's struggle. The brothers' efforts to make sense of their lives is cast against the decline of the city in which they grew up and as the city shatters, so does their sense of safety and even self. But Martin uses the socio-political world of the 60's to mask his need to escape and create a new self. His blindness is not only spatial; he is unable to see himself or the personal damage he has left in his wake. His obsession with his personal success-somehow mirrored in his other obsession, the Russian architect, Melnikov, blinds him to who he is and how he effects others.

The darkness is all around him. Some of the story is difficult to follow as it is told through Martin's fractured consciousness but this confusion is balanced by other chapters told through Brendan's point of view. However, the sense of an unreliable narrator permeates this book and left me feeling off-balance. It is a kind of mystery of the mind.

Durcan's writing is strong and the story compelling. I found some of the sections a bit slow but overall it is a strong and thought-provoking work.

My thanks to LibraryThing's first reads for giving me the opportunity to read this very interesting book....more

This was a very entertaining book about a man with “neglect syndrome”. The main character, Martin, wakes up from a coma to learn that he was in an accident and now suffers from “neglect syndrome” though he believes he’s fine. He literally can’t perceive half of his world but he doesn’t understand that. He’s shocked to learn that due to his disability, his architect license has been withdrawn and he can no longer work doing what he loves.

Although his estranged brother and his own two daughters aThis was a very entertaining book about a man with “neglect syndrome”. The main character, Martin, wakes up from a coma to learn that he was in an accident and now suffers from “neglect syndrome” though he believes he’s fine. He literally can’t perceive half of his world but he doesn’t understand that. He’s shocked to learn that due to his disability, his architect license has been withdrawn and he can no longer work doing what he loves.

Although his estranged brother and his own two daughters are supportive, Martin becomes more and more paranoid. He has such a hard time accepting his disability and the changes in his life. He relates his position to a Soviet architect who he had met once, Konstantin Melnikov. But as he looks more and more into both his past and the life of Konstantin Melnikov, his broken mind becomes even more confused. The author is a neurologist himself so this look at “neglect syndrome” rings true.

This is a profound literary book that will cause you to think about it long after the last page. While this man had a specific physical condition, how often do we also plunge ahead with our lives not knowing things about our own lives, things that we can’t see or refuse to see? The author is an accomplished writer and the book is very well written.

This book was given to me by the publisher through Edelweiss in return for an honest review....more

Martin was a successful architect, with his own company. He had a family, but a distant one. And then he was in an accident which put him in a coma. After he awoke, he was in the hospital for many months, doing physical therapy to regain skills that were once so easy for him. He felt as though he was doing much better, but what he didn't realize was that he had a brain injury that blocked part of his vision. His brother, Brendan, from whom Martin had been estranged for years, decides it is his fMartin was a successful architect, with his own company. He had a family, but a distant one. And then he was in an accident which put him in a coma. After he awoke, he was in the hospital for many months, doing physical therapy to regain skills that were once so easy for him. He felt as though he was doing much better, but what he didn't realize was that he had a brain injury that blocked part of his vision. His brother, Brendan, from whom Martin had been estranged for years, decides it is his familial duty to take care of Martin. The two brothers hardly know each other when Martin first comes home, and they spend some time learning about each other again. As the brothers try to find a way to live their new lives, Brendan starts to realize that maybe Martin's accident wasn't entirely an accident. Brendan tries to help Martin recognize the full extent of his injuries, but Martin does not want to know how bad off he really is. As the days progress, Martin starts to understand where his life is now, and has to come to terms with the mess he has made of his family relationships. When I first started this book, I wasn't sure if I would like it. I am not that interested in architecture, and I didn't want to read a book about it. But the book is really about Martin and his injuries, and the two brothers trying to form a relationship that has been long dead. It is more about relationships and coming to terms with a life one may not be proud of creating, but has to live all the same. The end of the book felt like it was kind of thrown in; it didn't really fit in the book, except to further the ideas about family relationships. Overall, not a bad story....more

I thought this book was well written with a dark, somber air. Essentially it is about the frailty of life. No matter how successful some people are there are always other things you didn't achieve. For most of us, I hope, we know this and move on and enjoy life, for others it is always there. A disappointment, depressing the person, making their success seem inconsequential.

For me this book was especially poignant because of being a nurse and in the past, want to be architect. Martin is an accoI thought this book was well written with a dark, somber air. Essentially it is about the frailty of life. No matter how successful some people are there are always other things you didn't achieve. For most of us, I hope, we know this and move on and enjoy life, for others it is always there. A disappointment, depressing the person, making their success seem inconsequential.

For me this book was especially poignant because of being a nurse and in the past, want to be architect. Martin is an accomplished architect that has had a terrible auto accident that has left him with neglect syndrome. We enter the story after months of rehab and he is progressing to go home. With no memory of the events preceding his accident, he has some catching up to do. ...more

Martin, a well-known architect wakes up from a coma. He has neglect but won't acknowledge it, and other challenges - he can never work as an architect again. His estranged brother has been taking care of his affairs, but he thinks there's a conspiracy keeping him from his work and his old life.

Melnikov, an obscure and reclusive Soviet architect, becomes his muse and focus as he tries to get back to where he was. But he starts to realize thatThe author is a neurologist, who can write pretty well.

Martin, a well-known architect wakes up from a coma. He has neglect but won't acknowledge it, and other challenges - he can never work as an architect again. His estranged brother has been taking care of his affairs, but he thinks there's a conspiracy keeping him from his work and his old life.

Melnikov, an obscure and reclusive Soviet architect, becomes his muse and focus as he tries to get back to where he was. But he starts to realize that where he was before the accident isn't where he thinks....more

In The Measure of Darkness, author Liam Durcan uses his scientific and medical background to write a novel about the fractured mind. The Measure of Darkness is about a man who has lost important neurological capabilities. It’s also about brotherly love and estrangement, the ways we bond to and drift from our families. This novel takes a close look at suicide, what drives a person to it and what happens in the aftermath of an attempt. It explores human closeness (and its lack), professional identIn The Measure of Darkness, author Liam Durcan uses his scientific and medical background to write a novel about the fractured mind. The Measure of Darkness is about a man who has lost important neurological capabilities. It’s also about brotherly love and estrangement, the ways we bond to and drift from our families. This novel takes a close look at suicide, what drives a person to it and what happens in the aftermath of an attempt. It explores human closeness (and its lack), professional identity (and its loss), and it examines the unreliability of one’s own perception in deep and searching ways.

Durcan (a neurologist) tackles subjects like Vietnam, substance abuse, and racial tension. He offers plenty of topics for discussion, including, even, the Midwestern city of Detroit. Of Detroit, he writes, “People seemed to enjoy watching Detroit die, piece by piece, in clouds of dust after the initial dynamite blast. Micro immolations of a place whose success they’d never really believed, perhaps even begrudged.” Also this: “He loved Detroit, not just because it gave him his origins but because at certain times in a person’s life, a city comes to embody one’s mood perfectly. Paris in the springtime, Rio during Carnival, Detroit when your mother’s just intimated she always knew you’d try to kill yourself.” Durcan offers an understanding of history, family, place, and human relationships, each of these, with depth and wit.

The novel also studies ambition and talent and how much of each is required for success. It asks us to think about the mix of those two things, to wonder what quantities of each are needed to produce greatness. Someone might have minor talent with major ambition or major talent with minor ambition, and success depends on how those two elements combine.

Particularly notable is the way in which the author explores the subject of failure. In this book, the brothers each wrestle with the end of their careers. One brother holds on ferociously to his career, while the other lets his profession slip away. Their father, too, faces a career loss. We watch what happens when people face monumental disappointment, wondering whether they will give up or forge ahead.

This book asks: What happens when you lose?

In these pages, you’ll find moments of insight and the beautifully scenic descriptions that verge on something almost spiritual. The final paragraph is gorgeous. The writing has an interior feel that readers will appreciate. In the aftermath of a private reading experience, one is compelled to discuss what has been learned and how it felt. The Measure of Darkness is a medical mystery, but it’s also something more than that: a study of the flawed human mind, an examination of perception and relatedness and acceptance. It offers a wealth of subjects for discussion. No mystery at all why The Measure of Darkness is a 2016 Great Group Reads Selection. ...more

Martin Fallon wakes from a coma after an automobile accident only to find that he now suffers from a debilitating brain condition known as “spatial neglect syndrome”. Martin must accept that he can no longer continue life as the celebrated architect he was before his brain injury. He has no recollection of the accident and what led up to it. He grows increasingly agitated and paranoid as he attempts to piece his former life together.

Martin is twice divorced and has little to do with his grown dMartin Fallon wakes from a coma after an automobile accident only to find that he now suffers from a debilitating brain condition known as “spatial neglect syndrome”. Martin must accept that he can no longer continue life as the celebrated architect he was before his brain injury. He has no recollection of the accident and what led up to it. He grows increasingly agitated and paranoid as he attempts to piece his former life together.

Martin is twice divorced and has little to do with his grown daughters, Susan and Norah. There is no one to care for Martin, so his brother Brendan decides to do it. Reconnecting with Brendan, the brother Martin has been estranged from for decades, forces them both to revisit some long ago wounds. Brendan is fighting some demons of his own. A long ago tour in Vietnam and the loss of his wife have contributed to some very embarrassing and self-destructive behaviors.

The Measure of Darkness is a darkly depressing, sophisticated book. It’s a fairly short book, but it’s a complex and multi-layered one. I found it somewhat slow-moving at times. The author is careful to reveal bits and pieces of each character’s backstory as the book progresses, and he does it in no easy, breezy manner. You’ll have to work at staying with this book. While chapters written in Brendan’s POV are clear and straightforward, Martin’s meandering mind, particularly when comparing his life to that of famous Russian architect Konstantin Melnikov, was at times difficult for me to follow.

This is a multifaceted story to be sure. One that certainly doesn’t just focus on the estranged brothers and a neurological condition. The author weaves a clever tapestry of controversy and political commentary, mainly geared toward American society. The effects of war and the (deliberate) decay and neglect of inner-city communities are front and center and it’s quite clear where the author most likely stands on these issues.

This book is different from the books I usually choose, but I did enjoy it. If you’re looking for an upbeat and happy book you won’t find it here. If you’re looking for an intelligent book constructed of many layers that will make you think then I’d suggest getting a copy.

Written by a neurologist, this book deals with the aftermath of an automobile accident in which Martin, a Canadian architect, can't come to terms with his loss of spatial awareness (neglect syndrome). His long-estranged brother is the only family member who supports Martin through his rehabilitation and return to "normal" life. It's hard to follow in parts when told from Martin's point of view, because he doesn't understand what is lacking from his vision, and is increasingly paranoid as the stoWritten by a neurologist, this book deals with the aftermath of an automobile accident in which Martin, a Canadian architect, can't come to terms with his loss of spatial awareness (neglect syndrome). His long-estranged brother is the only family member who supports Martin through his rehabilitation and return to "normal" life. It's hard to follow in parts when told from Martin's point of view, because he doesn't understand what is lacking from his vision, and is increasingly paranoid as the story proceeds....more

Martin is severely injured in an automobile accident which leaves with a rare neurological syndrome, neglect. He is unable to perceive half of the world but does not realize that he is handicapped. As he struggles to regain his past life and glory, his brother with whom he has been estranged for many years reappears to assist him in his recovery. Martin's arrogance and lack of insight alienate him from his other family members and also from the architects with whom he had formed his company. HisMartin is severely injured in an automobile accident which leaves with a rare neurological syndrome, neglect. He is unable to perceive half of the world but does not realize that he is handicapped. As he struggles to regain his past life and glory, his brother with whom he has been estranged for many years reappears to assist him in his recovery. Martin's arrogance and lack of insight alienate him from his other family members and also from the architects with whom he had formed his company. His obsession becomes a Russian architect who was forced to curtail his own career for reasons that parallel Martin's own. An added metaphor is added to the story as Martin returns to his hometown Detroit which has also failed and to his mother who appears to understand more about the family dynamics than Martin had believed possible. The neglect syndrome is most interesting, as is Martin's struggle to elicit at least a partial recovery. A very good read of a most interesting theme....more

Thanks to Librarything and the publisher for a free copy of this book. The Measure of Darkness is described as "A gripping journey into the depths of a fractured mind". I couldn't agree more! Although I have read other books about characters with left neglect syndrome, this is the first time I felt like I truly understand what it must be like. The novel focusses on Martin, an architect recuperating from a serious car accident and his estranged brother, Brendan who reenters his life to help suppoThanks to Librarything and the publisher for a free copy of this book. The Measure of Darkness is described as "A gripping journey into the depths of a fractured mind". I couldn't agree more! Although I have read other books about characters with left neglect syndrome, this is the first time I felt like I truly understand what it must be like. The novel focusses on Martin, an architect recuperating from a serious car accident and his estranged brother, Brendan who reenters his life to help support him during his rehabilitation. Both brothers are flawed characters but Durcan manages to make them sympathetic. I liked his writing style as well. I found most of the novel hard to put down, the sections about the sixties (Expo and Detroit's black day in July) particularly fascinating. 4.5 stars...more

I honestly did not enjoy reading this book. I gave it several attempts as I feel a book I struggle with might not present a struggle when read in a different frame of mind. For me it felt like there was a disconnection between the narrator and the reader which wasn't fully recovered when the point of view was altered. It became a chore to work through the book which I simply do not have time for. For those who have endless hours to dissect and digest what they are reading, it may well be ratherI honestly did not enjoy reading this book. I gave it several attempts as I feel a book I struggle with might not present a struggle when read in a different frame of mind. For me it felt like there was a disconnection between the narrator and the reader which wasn't fully recovered when the point of view was altered. It became a chore to work through the book which I simply do not have time for. For those who have endless hours to dissect and digest what they are reading, it may well be rather enjoyable. I received an ARC through library thing in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion. ...more

What happens when you have to relive a hellish episode in our life? An acclaimed architect emerges from a coma to find he's lost his firm -- a fact he'd known but forgotten -- as well as his ability to practice. And so the losses mount as paranoia sets in and the truth gradually reveals itself.A compelling story, set in and around Montreal. Of particular interest to anyone curious about visual creativity -- and its loss. Dr. Durcan is a fine writer; you'll enjoy this.

Not an easy read but worthwhile, especially if you have a friend or relative who has had a neurological incident or condition. It was fascinating to journey with Martin through the darkness. This is well written and thoughtfully plotted, and explores a unique situation. THanks to Edelweiss for the ARC- I likely would not have picked this one off the library shelf and I would have missed a very good novel.

Compelling while I was reading, but unsatisfying in the final pages. I prefer a little more reveal in the plot/story, a little less philosophizing. Perhaps more interesting to someone who knows more about architecture.

3.5 This was about as dry and clinical a prose as you could get, but that's what made it so realistic. Raw. There is no neat bow to wrap this one up, the ending is abrupt, but nicely done. Probably not for everyone, but I liked it.

Liam Durcan was born in Winnipeg where obtained his MD from the University of Manitoba.He has published short fiction since 2000 in a variety of Canadian and American Journals. His short fiction has won the 2004 Quebec Writers Federation/CBC prize and he work has been shortlisted 3 times for the CBC National Literary Awards. He lives in Montreal with his wife and children and is working on a new nLiam Durcan was born in Winnipeg where obtained his MD from the University of Manitoba.He has published short fiction since 2000 in a variety of Canadian and American Journals. His short fiction has won the 2004 Quebec Writers Federation/CBC prize and he work has been shortlisted 3 times for the CBC National Literary Awards. He lives in Montreal with his wife and children and is working on a new novel.